why make this recipe
Easy Sesame Chicken is a popular dish that brings the taste of Asian cuisine to your home. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. This recipe uses simple ingredients that you may already have at home. Plus, it’s a fun and satisfying dish to make, especially if you enjoy frying food. The crispy chicken combined with a sweet and tangy sauce is sure to please everyone in the family!
how to make Easy Sesame Chicken
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces)
- ¼ cup water
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt (if using fine salt, use a little less)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon oil (any neutral oil is fine)
- Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- ½ cup ketchup
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (light sodium)
- ½ teaspoon dark soy sauce (optional to give the sauce a darker color)
- 1 stalk green onion (cut into thin slices, greens and whites separated)
- Oil (as needed for cooking and frying)
Directions:
- Marinate the chicken thighs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared chicken thighs, ¼ cup water, baking soda, and salt. Vigorously mix until the chicken absorbs most of the water. Then, add the eggs and mix well. Next, add the cornstarch and combine until no dry cornstarch is visible. Lastly, add the oil and mix evenly.
- Heat the oil: In a wok or tall pan, add about 2 to 3 inches of oil. Heat the oil until it reaches 375°F.
- Prepare the sauce: While the oil is heating, mix the ketchup, ½ cup water, sugar, white vinegar, cornstarch, soy sauce, and dark soy sauce in a bowl or large measuring cup. Mix well and set aside.
- Fry the chicken: When the oil is ready, maintain the heat around 375°F. Carefully place the marinated chicken pieces into the hot oil, one at a time, in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if necessary. Fry for about 4 to 5 minutes, then remove and let drain for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once drained, return the chicken to the oil for a second fry, about 5 to 6 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels or a rack.
- Make the sauce: In a wok or large pan, add a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the white parts of the sliced green onions and stir-fry for 10 to 15 seconds or until fragrant. Pour in the prepared sauce, increase the heat to medium-high, and let it heat until hot. Stir frequently to ensure the cornstarch thickens the sauce evenly.
- Toss the chicken and serve: Once the sauce has thickened and is glossy, add the fried chicken pieces. Stir and toss until the chicken is well coated. Serve immediately with white rice or fried rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and the green part of the sliced green onion if desired. Enjoy!
how to serve Easy Sesame Chicken
Serve Easy Sesame Chicken warm alongside steamed rice or fried rice. You can also add steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Presentation is key, so sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top before serving.
how to store Easy Sesame Chicken
To store leftovers, let the sesame chicken cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until hot, or in the microwave in short intervals until warmed through.
tips to make Easy Sesame Chicken
- Make sure to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for tender and juicy meat.
- Don’t skip the double frying step; this ensures extra crispiness.
- If you like a spicier flavor, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- For an easier clean-up, line your frying pan with paper towels after frying.
variation
You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast if you prefer leaner meat. For a healthier version, you can also bake the chicken in the oven instead of frying.
FAQs
- Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs? Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but they may be less juicy than thighs.
- Can I make the sauce ahead of time? Yes, the sauce can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Is this dish spicy? No, Easy Sesame Chicken is not spicy. However, you can adjust the heat by adding chili flakes or hot sauce to the recipe.
Easy Sesame Chicken
A quick and delicious Asian-inspired dish with crispy chicken coated in a sweet and tangy sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Method
Marinate the Chicken
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared chicken thighs, ¼ cup water, baking soda, and salt. Vigorously mix until the chicken absorbs most of the water.
- Add the eggs and mix well, then add the cornstarch and combine until no dry cornstarch is visible. Lastly, add the oil and mix evenly.
Heat the Oil
- In a wok or tall pan, add about 2 to 3 inches of oil and heat until it reaches 375°F.
Prepare the Sauce
- While the oil is heating, mix the ketchup, ½ cup water, sugar, white vinegar, cornstarch, soy sauce, and dark soy sauce in a bowl or large measuring cup. Mix well and set aside.
Fry the Chicken
- When the oil is ready, maintain the heat around 375°F. Carefully place the marinated chicken pieces into the hot oil one at a time in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if necessary.
- Fry for about 4 to 5 minutes, then remove and let drain for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once drained, return the chicken to the oil for a second fry, about 5 to 6 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels or a rack.
Make the Sauce
- In a wok or large pan, add a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the white parts of the sliced green onions and stir-fry for 10 to 15 seconds or until fragrant.
- Pour in the prepared sauce, increase the heat to medium-high, and let it heat until hot. Stir frequently to ensure the cornstarch thickens the sauce evenly.
Toss the Chicken and Serve
- Once the sauce has thickened and is glossy, add the fried chicken pieces. Stir and toss until the chicken is well coated.
- Serve immediately with white rice or fried rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and the green part of the sliced green onion if desired.
Notes
Make sure to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for tender and juicy meat. Double frying ensures extra crispiness. For a spicier flavor, add red pepper flakes to the sauce. Line your frying pan with paper towels for easier clean-up after frying.
